Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-08-25
BILL NYEIS A DUELIST.
He Challenges a Rural Editor in Truly Chi
Various Way.
New York World


New York World
| The following copy of letter has beer
| handed to The World with view t6
general publicity:
Mr.. George w. Tidd, Editor CRANBERRY
Palladium.-Sir: My attention has jus,
been called to printed statement made
over your own signature some time ago
in which you spoke in light and flippant
manner of my hair. The remark was
carefully worded, but calculated to cast
| obloquy and reproach upon me in the
| eyes of the public, I have spoken to
several friends in relation to it and they
are of one opinion in the matter. They
unite in saying that the term "Mexican
hairless humorist" demands a challenge,
to say nothing of the statement that
while on board train which was robbed
in Nebraska" [ succeeded in "concealing
my jewelry IN my hair until the danger
had passed"
For this, sir, beg to state that my adj
dress is at No. 231a Rue de Bowery, op-
posite the Place du Railway Mysterie, and
to ask you that you will send me your
own address. forward this by the hands
of a slow messenger boy, who will bring
me your answer as sOon as he gets
thoroughly rested. I need not add that
he is my friend and will act as my second,
should you refuse to retract the state.
ments referred to. You may also settle
with him for this message and your OVID
I will settle with you.
1 hope, sir, you will excuse anything
that may seem coarse Or brutal in this
challenge, for desire only to take your
life without giving you any effense, and
want to be polite like other duelists. May
I ask, therefore, that at your earliest
convenience you will name quiet place,
as free from malaria as possible, where
we may kill each other undisturbed?
May trouble you, also, sir, to select
two as dangerous weapons as possible,
and also to bring with you the surgeon
who generally sews you up at such times
The De Nyes have always been hot
blooded race ever since they left France,
and they can none of them brook an in
suit or bear to be tramped on.
When [ first read your stinging insult
in the paper I became delirious with
passion, and, although am not related
to the Knickerbockers, my breath came
in short pants.
The De Nyes are pleasant people to
meet, but the man who infuriates one of
them is liable to meander up the hume in
an oblique manner. Pardon anything,
sir in this communication which may
sound harsh or clash with the smooth and
scholarly style of assassination peculiar
to the code. I desire to meet you in
mortal combat, but want to do it in a
polished way, and I desire to word this
note so that it will read well in print, like
other challenges.
I have consulted several friends about
the prospect of our meeting in duel at
no distant day, and all of them seem to
be highly gratifed. 1t affords me great
pleasure to note that I go into this thing
with the hearty Endorsement and god
speed of all, without distinction. If you
would prefer to wait few weeks, till the
| weather is cooler, so that you can lie in
state longer, I will try to muzzle nay
| wrath, but would advise you not to cross
my trail in the meantime.
My second will no doubt inform you
that am an expert and deadly swords
man, and will try to convince you that
it will be best not to name the sword. Dc
not be too proud to heed his advice. II
may save your life-and mine also.
bope you will not treat this challenge
lightly, sir, and try still further to hear
ridiouls upon an old and widowed name